Rascals of the Pinelands

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with this South Jersey history program! While many now recognize New Jersey's Pine Barrens for its unique ecological treasures and importance to South Jersey's cultural heritage, it has also been the home of some of the state's most colorful characters. Notorious bandits, known as "Pine Robbers," prowled the forests during the American Revolution. Men like John Bacon and Joe Mulliner used the dense, difficult terrain of the Pine Barrens to conceal their thievery, often preying on Continental Army supply shipments.

This presentation will highlight the most prominent "Pine Robbers" of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, delivering accounts of both their adventures and misdeeds.

Long after the War of Independence ended in America, "rascals" remained in the Pinelands. In the twentieth century, sensational reporting on the murder of Dr. William Lilliendahl and attempted murder of Andrew J. Rider, then known as the "Cranberry King of New Jersey," once again elevated the sordid history of the Pine Barrens to national prominence.

Presented by John Hebble, Resource Interpretive Specialist at Batsto Village Historic Site.

Registration required. Open to all adults.